Hayden Panettiere is sharing her side of the story after fans became concerned over an interview she recently gave to People magazine that sparked questions about her mental health and sobriety.
“It’s unfathomable that I’m even in this position, but I feel forced to address it in a space where I won’t be criticized for how fast or slow I speak,” the “Nashville” alum wrote via Instagram on Sunday.
“I hadn’t slept for two days prior to the shoot due to one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency surgical procedure.”
She also addressed allegations that she was under the influence during the interview.
“Grief looks different on everyone,” Panettiere wrote. “Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor.”
Additionally, the 35-year-old actress claimed she was “exhausted” during the interview which followed an eight-hour shoot.
“My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading—especially as the subject matter became heavier,” she wrote, adding that they were told that the magazine “would edit it and that it would be a beautiful piece.”
She went on to say that the “real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by click bait.”
Panettiere then signed off the lengthy post with a message for her supporters.
“For those of you who have come to my defense amidst this chaos I am so grateful,” she added. “Like I’ve said before, I am a work in progress. We all are.”
Last Wednesday, a video People posted from their interview with the star via Instagram garnered a lot of backlash from social media users who did not think the publication should have released the clip.
“I’m shocked this is posted…it’s uncomfortable and sad to watch,” one person commented, with another calling it “complete exploitation.”
“Dancing With the Stars” alum Peta Murgatroyd even weighed in, adding, “This interview should be removed asap!!”
A source exclusively told Page Six, however, that Panettiere “fully cooperated” with People’s team during the interview and video, and that her team “was on set for the duration of the shoot.”
The “Remember the Titans” star appeared to slur her speech, however, and her eyes were also glazed.
Panettiere’s rep previously chalked it up to exhaustion after discussing a heavy personal topic.
“Speaking about her brother for the first time was very emotional for her — and it had been a long and exhausting day for her,” the star’s publicist said in an exclusive statement to Page Six.
The rep then flat out denied her client had relapsed, adding, “She was not under the influence.”
In July 2022, Panettiere revealed to the public her past battle with alcoholism and opioid addiction.
“Things kept getting out of control [off set],” the “Heroes” alum told People at the time, “and as I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn’t live without.”
However, according to the magazine’s cover story Wednesday, Panettiere went to an in-patient treatment center in 2020 to get sober.
Recent years have not come without their fare share of hardships, though, as the actress’ brother, Jansen Panettiere, died in February 2023 from an enlarged heart. He was only 28.
Hayden told People of her losing her sibling Wednesday, “I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
